Adaptive Yoga Live
1447. Miranda McCarthy
1448. Louise Edwards
Miranda McCarthy and Louise Edwards, from London and Sussex, created ‘Adaptive Yoga Live’ - a specially designed programme of online sessions to make yoga more accessible to disabled people and those with more limited physical movement, reaching over 500 regular participants.
Miranda and Louise created the service after having both experienced the life-changing benefits of adaptive yoga first-hand, supporting Miranda through years of rehabilitation from joint replacements and aiding Louise, who lives with cerebral palsy and arthritis. With the pandemic preventing physical classes taking place, and limiting other forms of exercise, they launched ‘Adaptive Yoga Live’ to ensure anyone with physical limitations could still improve their strength and coordination, as well as reducing stress and boosting wellbeing.
In a personal letter to Miranda, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Together with Louise, you have brought the practice of yoga to those who are disabled or have other physical limitations.
“‘Adaptive Yoga Live’ – a wonderful innovation at any time – has been especially valuable during the lockdown when it has been particularly vital to find new and inclusive ways to help everyone exercise.”
In a personal letter to Louise, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I want to thank you for the brilliant way that you and Miranda have adapted yoga so that people who are disabled or have other physical limitations can join in.
“Your free online classes have benefited hundreds of people at a time when exercise has rarely been so important.”
Miranda said:
“We are so proud of the hard work that has been put in make Adaptive Yoga LIVE a reality. We accept this award on behalf of our dedicated teachers and our disabled community who are at the heart of everything we do! I’m over the moon to receive this recognition from the Prime Minister – thank you so much!”
Louise said:
“Receiving this award is a totally unexpected honour. I just want to share and thank all the adaptive yogis who supported the online classes and we hope to welcome many more.”